Plant and Animal Cells

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Cell Noun

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[sel]

Back

Cell

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The basic structural, functional, and biological unit of all known organisms, representing the smallest unit of life.

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Example: This diagram shows a cross-section of an animal cell, labeling its main parts, called organelles, such as the nucleus and mitochondria.

Front

Eukaryotic Cell Noun

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[yoo-kar-ee-ot-ik sel]

Back

Eukaryotic Cell

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A type of cell that possesses a membrane-bound nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles to house its DNA.

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Example: This diagram shows a eukaryotic cell, a type of cell with a membrane-bound nucleus and other organelles like mitochondria, all contained within the cytoplasm.

Front

Prokaryotic Cell Noun

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[pro-kar-ee-ot-ik sel]

Back

Prokaryotic Cell

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A type of cell lacking a membrane-enclosed nucleus and other membrane-enclosed organelles, with its DNA free-floating.

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Example: This diagram shows a prokaryotic cell's structure, using a bacterium as an example. It highlights key parts like the free-floating DNA (nucleoid).

Front

Organelle Noun

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[or-guh-nel]

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Organelle

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A specialized subunit found within a cell that has a specific function to perform for the cell's survival.

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Example: This diagram shows the inside of an animal cell, labeling the different parts called organelles, such as the nucleus and mitochondria.

Front

Cell Membrane Noun

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[sel mem-breyn]

Back

Cell Membrane

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The protective, semipermeable outer layer of a cell that regulates the passage of substances into and out of it.

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Example: This diagram shows the cell membrane is a flexible barrier (fluid mosaic) made of a phospholipid bilayer with different types of proteins embedded in it.

Front

Cytoplasm Noun

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[sahy-toh-plaz-uhm]

Back

Cytoplasm

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The gel-like substance enclosed within the cell membrane, which suspends the organelles and fills the entire cell.

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Example: This diagram of an animal cell shows that the cytoplasm is the jelly-like substance filling the cell, located outside the nucleus and containing other organelles.

Front

Nucleus Noun

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[noo-klee-uhs]

Back

Nucleus

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A membrane-bound organelle in eukaryotic cells that contains the cell's genetic material and controls its activities.

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Example: This diagram shows a cutaway view of the cell's nucleus, labeling its key parts like the nucleolus, chromatin, and the protective nuclear envelope.

Front

DNA Noun

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[dee-en-ey]

Back

DNA

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Deoxyribonucleic acid, a self-replicating molecule that carries the genetic instructions for the development and function of organisms.

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Example: This diagram shows the structure of DNA, a molecule shaped like a twisted ladder, with a sugar-phosphate backbone and rungs made of base pairs.

Front

Mitochondrion Noun

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[mahy-tuh-kon-dree-on]

Back

Mitochondrion

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An organelle that generates most of the cell's supply of chemical energy through the process of cellular respiration.

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Example: This image shows the mitochondrion taking in nutrients (rice) and converting them into usable energy (ATP) for the cell, like a powerhouse.

Front

Cellular Respiration Noun

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[sel-yuh-ler res-puh-rey-shuhn]

Back

Cellular Respiration

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A set of metabolic reactions and processes in cells to convert chemical energy from nutrients into usable ATP.

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Example: This diagram shows the chemical equation for cellular respiration, where glucose and oxygen are converted into carbon dioxide, water, and energy (ATP).